Da’Rel Scott

An explosive runner with home-run speed; averaged over five yards per carry for his career. Good overall size. Elite timed speed; clocked at 4.34 at the combine.

Weaknesses:

Slowed by injuries throughout his career. Missed time with an ankle injury in 2007. Suffered a shoulder injury in 2008. Also missed time with a broken arm in 2009. Suspended for violation of team rules (curfew) in 2008. Isn’t a tough between-the-tackles runner; doesn’t use his size as much as he could.

Comments:

When healthy, Scott is an explosive runner who has the frame of a prototypical NFL running back. His measurables and workout numbers are that of a potential starter but his long list of injuries hurt his draft stock considerably. He could be a steal, but he just isn’t worth the risk until the third day of the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons are obviously set at running back for 2011 with Michael Turner. However, that hasn’t stopped them from doing their homework on some running backs in this year’s draft class.

It appears as though the Falcons are looking to add a new dimension to their offense in the form of a home-run hitter to compliment the more physical Turner.

Hunter could make an immediate impact

The Falcons have met with (or are scheduled to meet with) Kendall Hunter, Mario Fanin, DuJuan Harris, Derrick Locke and Da’Rel Scott. All five have been clocked at 4.45 or faster in the 40 this offseason.

Despite the fact that running back is well down on the Falcons list of needs, don’t be shocked if they address the position fairly early in the draft. Coming off a 13-3 season, the Falcons are one of a handful of teams with enough in place for 2011 that they can afford an early luxury pick.

A player such as Kendall Hunter, who could be an option in the 2nd round, could immediately become a dangerous weapon on offense and change the way defenses game plan for the Falcons.

Pre-draft workouts mean different things for different teams, but one team that isn’t afraid to tip their hand is the Patriots. Their draft visits are (surprisingly) often made public, and they often draft off the list of player’s they’ve visited with.

Among the players who worked out for and were lated drafted by the Patriots are Patrick Chung, Darius Butler, Tyrone McKenzie, Brandon Tate, Julian Edeman, Aaron Hernandez, Devin McCourty and Rob Gronkowski. And that’s from the past two drafts alone.

Kendall Hunter could be a 2nd-round option for the Patriots

So far this year I’ve found reports of 21 players that are visiting the Patriots, and there’s one common thread linking most of them: speed.

Among the speedsters that Patriots have shown an interest in are five running backs – Ryan Williams, Derrick Locke, Kendall Hunter, Jordan Todman and Da’Rel Scott (who had the fast 40 time among running backs at the combine).

The Patriots have also shown an interest in some of this year’s faster receivers, including Torrey Smith, Jeremy Kerley, Cecil Shorts and Randall Cobb. They’ve also visited with Virgil Green, arguably the most athletic tight end in this year’s class.

With such a long list it’s tough to say who the Patriots are targeting at this point, but it’s clear that they’re putting a priority on adding athletes on offense. With four picks in the first two rounds, it’s safe to assume that Belichick will bring aboard at least one more weapon for Tom Brady.